I have asked God, "why", a lot this year as I bet many of you have. People have a lot going on. I was reading a list of trials and I am sure we could each pick out one or more of these trials that make us wonder why God would allow this to happen. It could be our spouse, a relationship, our children, our job, school, Covid, health issues, addictions, a troubled marriage, another year of singleness, finances, grief, etc. Our world is so broken. I wonder why things have to be like this. Then I remember Jesus asked why while He was on the cross. Matthew 27: 46, "About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli,lemasabachthani?”' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?')" If Jesus asked why then we can ask why.
While I wonder why; I usually say, "God, I don't know why this is happening but I trust you." 1 Peter 5: 7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Saying, "I trust You" out loud seems to help me hand it over to God. Even if I ask why I am probably not going to get an answer. I like the saying, referring to God, "He is not in the business of explaining. He is in the business of sustaining." I do not believe I will have the answers to my "whys" on this earth. Even if He told me I am sure I would not understand. He sees the big picture and I cannot even fathom that! What I do know is that there are few things that will never change. Here are some: God is good. God is perfect. God is in control. God loves me and wants the best for me. Because of this I can trust Him. Proverbs 3: 5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Another thing that we know for sure is that trials are a part of life. We are all going to have them. John 16: 33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Our life is full of choices and deciding to trust God is one of the biggest. Two people can have the same trial but react differently. One may grow through their difficulty and become closer to God and the other may become angry and anxious and doubt God. Our true nature is revealed during these times. If we choose to focus on God and His goodness and His promises, we will have joy despite our circumstances.
Because of trials, David wrote Psalm 34, a song of praise glorifying God. He made a choice to focus on God's promises. Verse 1, "I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips....3 "Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me...8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. he delivered me from all my fears. 15 "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry..." 18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit...." Verse one sums the whole psalm up. "I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips."
Because we are children of God, He will carry us through whatever trials we face. Deuteronomy 31: 6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” We can trust His Word! Luke 1: 37, "For no word from God will ever fail." I think this is one verse that everyone should memorize! God's Word are promises and He keeps them. Another verse to memorize is John 8:32, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." God's Word is the Truth and it will set us free. Even though life can be hard, we have promises to hold onto. These promises set us free from the fears of this world. No matter our circumstances in this life, we can trust God!
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